Tampa, Florida (CNN) - Democrats wasted no time on Tuesday trying to undercut Republicans as they began their convention, attacking a key GOP message before party luminaries took the spotlight in Tampa.

Republicans aggressively pushed their convention theme, "We Built It," while Democrats sought to turn it back on Mitt Romney, who was affirmed as the nominee by a roll call of delegates in the first significant moments of the event.

soundoff(15 Responses)

Wow, Tony Villar, Mayor of LA, has helped destory Los Angeles with out of control gifts to unions and failure to cut spending. Gov. O'Malley can't keep businesses in his state or kids educated.

Funny, what has President Obama built? Solyndra, Beacon Power, Ener1, A123, etc, etc – yes he has built them. Such a great record.

August 29, 2012 01:23 am at 1:23 am |

Greg

Obviously ms. Stewart had lost objectivity and ability to see facts.

100,000's jobs in private sector. The positive influence of jobs created by Bain and Bain executives is greater that just Bain. Many CEOs and employees who were successful in a Bain sponsored company have gone on to build many other successful companies resulting in more high paying jobs.

Saved Olympics in critical time in Countey's history

Brought Liberal spending in Boston under control, number 1 state for education... I purchased 2 companies in Boston and they were successful thanks to Mitt's leadership as governor building policy to drive solid business environment.

August 29, 2012 01:27 am at 1:27 am |

Dave

Romney built a successful business. What did you buld mr. Mayor? Why is the mayor of LA spending a vacation in Tampa? Don't you need to be taking care of your constituents and troubles in CA?

Stop with the attacking success and let's talk about the issues. Our country is in serious trouble. I for one am tired about tearing each party down. Who is going to get our country on track? Obama had his turn and we are worse off. I'm voting for the man who has off shore accounts and willing to tackle the tough issues.

August 29, 2012 01:39 am at 1:39 am |

Stedman

Antonio Villaraigosa is considered a lightweight and a clown in Los Angeles? Maybe he'll do everyone a favor and stay in Tampa.

August 29, 2012 01:50 am at 1:50 am |

Darrell

Fact: Bill Bain, founder of Bain Associates, asked Mitt, when he was employee of Bain Associate, to take control of Bain Capital, which was a new company Bain started. Bain told Mitt that he could have his old job back at Bain Associate if Bain Capital did not succeed.

To be fair, Mitt was very successful at Bain Capital. At the same time, there was no initial risk for Mitt when he left Bain Associate to run Bain Capital. Again, if he did not succeed at Bain Capital, he could have his old job back.

If Mitt left Bain and actually struck out on his own, without a safety net in place, I would applaud his great success. Unfortunately, too many real entrepreneurs start new companies without safety nets. These are real entrepreneurs who built their own companies without help from others...not Mitt.

August 29, 2012 02:08 am at 2:08 am |

ValarMorghulis

RobME built a rather substantial fortune off the backs of working people and through government loans.

August 29, 2012 02:21 am at 2:21 am |

Richard Chichi

somewhere in America today, a bank is making less profit than it would have because Romeny chose to bank his money in Switzerland. The banking employees are probably less by some number because of this decision

August 29, 2012 02:55 am at 2:55 am |

Ace Steele

What did Romney build? How about a little company called STAPLES. Ever heard of it, Mr. Villaraigosa? It's more than just the namesake of the Staples Center arena you've been convicted of taking free tickets to, in the city which somehow elected you as mayor.

"Mitt Romney's first big success was a 1986 investment to help start Staples Inc., after founder Thomas G. Stemberg convinced Romney of the market size for office supplies and Romney convinced others; Bain Capital eventually reaped a nearly sevenfold return on its investment, and Romney sat on the Staples board of directors for over a decade".

August 29, 2012 04:18 am at 4:18 am |

clownshoes

He built more than most democrats

August 29, 2012 04:31 am at 4:31 am |

scott

They built more e then the Democrats did, who are intent on destroying this country and pattern it after socialist country's in Europe.

August 29, 2012 04:48 am at 4:48 am |

FedUp

I don't know how anyone could answer that either man cares about the common man. They all care only for themselves. They are politicians, you know.

August 29, 2012 06:17 am at 6:17 am |

Marie MD

What did he build? Why don't you ask workers in foreign countries where the American jobs went?
Thisi guy hasn't had to build a darn thing all his life except he has left a trail of bullying and done things (Seamus the dog) that anyone with half a brain or conscience wouldn't even think of.

August 29, 2012 06:35 am at 6:35 am |

onlyfacts61

I'm so tired of conservatives saying, "Obama's broken promises and failed policies, and we have a plan to create jobs". Well let's here it! What promises and policies? What's your secret plan? If your plan is so wonderful, why are you not divulging it? And "the facts speak for themselves " only to mislead conservative zombies into thinking you are telling the truth. This is all beyond belief!!!

August 29, 2012 07:09 am at 7:09 am |

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ

This is a valid question since they don't like acknowledging what government did (and does) for the people. I'd like to know what manufacturing jobs that his company Bain help sustain in this country. It is nice that we have Staples, but that is just a retail company that has most if not all of its own label made outside the country.

August 29, 2012 07:18 am at 7:18 am |

Dave

Please... Romney built has nothing other than wealth using daddy's money and connections.